S. Korea defense bans internal smartphone usage

South Korea's defense ministry is banning its employees from using the camera and Web connectivity functions on their smartphones when used within the ministry's building, in a move to prevent potential military data leaks.

Under the ministry's newly implemented mobile device management plan, its staff will be required to install a smartphone app which deactivates certain smartphone fuctions such as Internet connectivity and camera while they are inside the ministry building in the country's capital Seoul, Yonhap News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Employees will be allowed to answer and make phonecalls and use text messaging services, but those using Apple's iPhone are only allowed to take calls and messages. Visitors, though, are prohibited from carrying any mobile phones into the ministry building.

Effective from July 15, the device management plan is aimed at preventing military data leaks, the ministry said, adding it will hold a trial run of the plan and revise the plan if necessary. It will also consider whether the plan should be applied to other military facilities after reviewing the results of the testrun.

The banning of smartphone usage in defense and military facilities is not new. Just in May, the Pentagon cleared iPhones and iPads running on iOS6, along with Samsung Galaxy S4 and other compatible tablets, for use in the U.S military.

Such requirements also have driven the production of "military-friendly" phones. In January last year, Singapore telco M1 began offering camera-free iPhones via its Web site, designed for subscribers who are prohibited from using camera-equipped devices such as military and government personnel including the country's national service men.